Towards direct-write dual-wavelength pumped mid-infrared waveguide laser

A first step towards the realization and miniaturization of a 3.5 µm erbium-doped ZBLAN glass waveguide laser is presented using the direct-write technology. Dualwavelength-pumping was used to excite the lasing transition in the erbium-doped ZBLAN to potentially generate a laser output. Numerical simulation results predicted the amount of input power that was required to achieve the laser threshold. Experimental result was limited by the unavailability of high pump power needed to reach the laser threshold, but fluorescence was observed. Other factors that contributed to not having a laser output are enumerated and an outlook for the future is presented.